If you’re interested to know how to make a memory pillow from a shirt, it only takes three steps. But why make a memory pillow yourself? From the name itself, a memory pillow is a memorabilia made from a shirt with sentimental value.
You can make one as a gift for your friends similar to a baby pillow for an expecting mom, or use it as a way to feel closer to the memory of the shirt. If you miss a spouse, friend, or family member, turning their shirt into a pillow might make up for the distance. After all, sleeping with a pillow encourages happy hormones, so why not take it a step further?
How To Sew A Memory Pillow From A Shirt
Step #1. Designing
Sentimental value plays a significant role in our quality of life. Therefore, why not transform a memorable shirt into a literal memory pillow? Start by cutting your shirt into two pieces using the measurements you like.
For example, if you want your pillow to measure 20 by 20 inches, then cut each shirt piece as 20 inches long by 20 inches wide. Remember that your pillow doesn’t need to have equal dimensions, and you can make a more rectangular pillow. You should also keep in mind the design of your pillow when cutting.
For example, some shirts have a front pocket, so be mindful of cutting through it if you want it to be the main design of your pillow. You can also use fusible interfacing to keep the buttons closed on both shirt pieces. Press the fusible interfacing on the wrong side up and then place the fabric pieces with their right sides together over each other.
Step #2. Sewing
With the shirt pieces together, pin them around for easier sewing. However, remember to leave an opening at one side so you can turn the pillow later on. You can start stitching the outside perimeter and then cut all four corners.
Afterward, turn the pillow right side out. Push all the corners to help you fill the pillow snugly on the next step. You can also sew the pillow some more as reinforcement if needed.
Step #3. Stuffing and finishing
Use any stuffing you like and fill the pillow with as much as needed to achieve your desired firmness and loft. A typical filling is Polyfill, but you can use other materials. Just remember to push the stuffing on all corners, so your pillow has no spaces inside.
Once done, stitch the opening closed with a ladder stitch. A useful trick is double threading your needle to create a more durable stitch. Knot your thread securely, and you’re finished.
What Can You Use For DIY Pillows?
Do-it-yourself pillows are fantastic gift ideas for your friends, family, and even yourself. You can turn your favorite shirts and sweaters with sentimental meanings into pillows that you can snuggle with. Perhaps it’s your spouse’s old shirt, and you’ve been missing them?
But besides shirts, you can use old stuffed toys and your favorite fabric scraps into pillows. Follow the similar guide above, and you should quickly end up with a pillow liner to stuff. Otherwise, you can redesign your pillows with sharpies, old doilies, pom pos, ruffles, and various designs from craft stores.
DIY pillows are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they are also a fun thing to do that can be a bonding experience with friends, family, or as a simple stress-relieving hobby alone.
What To Do With An Old Pillow
You can make an old pillow useful again. It’s always helpful to know how to upcycle our used belongings to minimize our waste and even save money. Living a zero-waste habit is beneficial not just to the environment but also to us.
Pet beds
Our old pillows may not be useful to us anymore, but our pets may still enjoy them. The pillow can transform into a makeshift pet bed to give our pals a comfortable place to nap or play. If you have a hamster, you can even use the pillow stuffing to line his cage.
Rags and mats
If the pillow liner is no longer usable for pillows, you can cut it up and use the fabric as rags. Some materials would be excellent for cleaning. Otherwise, you can take multiple fabric pieces and sew them together to make unique-looking mats.
Insulation
Another way to enhance your house with an old pillow is to use it as insulation. The stuffing can go into your attic, tank, or pipes. Perhaps you won’t need a heater as much as you thought.
Packaging and protection
Finally, an old pillow can help you when moving and traveling. Use it to cover a fragile item, or simply stuff a box with the used pillow to keep the delicate package from breaking. You can place the pillow in between pieces of furniture when moving to prevent scuffing and scratching while in transit.
Conclusion
Do you have a shirt that has sentimental value? You can learn how to make a memory pillow from a shirt and snuggle with this shirt in bed. Start by cutting the shirt into two pieces with the dimensions you need for the pillow.
Then, sew around the pieces, but leave a gap for turning. You can also add fusible interfacing on the fabric pieces to keep the buttons closed. Then, stuff the pillow as much as you like before stitching the opening closed.